If you have a wiggly tooth right now, you might be tempted to brush it off as a minor issue. However, a dental issue like this one cannot be resolved on its own. Moreover, it leads to much bigger dental problems down the road. Wiggly teeth can be a sign of various concerns, including gum disease, infection, and injury. Delaying treatment can worsen these conditions. 

Many residents of Rancho Cucamonga underestimate the importance of addressing wiggly teeth immediately. If left unattended for a long time, the loose teeth can become painful and eventually need to be extracted. Then, losing a tooth can create problems in your bite and affect how you eat, leading to further complications in your dental health. 

When your child is losing baby teeth or you are facing a dental concern, no matter the age, it is important not to ignore wiggly teeth. Consulting with a Rancho Cucamonga dentist will not only keep your smile looking great but also help you avoid serious risks. The sooner you visit the dentist, the easier and less costly the treatment and recovery are going to be. 

Causes of wiggling teeth

• Gum disease: One of the main causes of wiggling teeth is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This happens when bacteria build up on your teeth and lead to inflammation and infection in your gums. This can slowly destroy the bones that hold your teeth in place and cause them to wiggle.

• Injury or trauma: Any sports injury or accident can also make your teeth wiggle. When you fall, the sudden impact can damage your teeth or the surrounding tissues and result in a wiggling tooth.

• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Teeth grinding or bruxism can put pressure on your teeth and make them loose. Grinding your teeth, especially while sleeping, can wear down your tooth enamel and cause teeth to loosen.

• Age and natural wear: As you grow older, your teeth naturally experience some wear and tear. Your gums may start to recede, and the bone structure also becomes very weak, which can lead to a wiggling tooth. 

• Infection or abscess: Any untreated dental infection can cause the tissue and bone around the tooth to become weak. If you ignore this issue, the infection can spread and lead to the loosening or loss of teeth.

The risks of ignoring wiggling teeth

1. Progression of gum disease.

Wiggling teeth are often caused by gum disease. Gum diseases may start with mild symptoms, like swollen gums, but can progress into more serious stages. As the infection spreads, it damages the gums and bone structures that support your teeth. If this issue is left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss. 

2. Increased risk of tooth loss.

Ignoring a wiggling tooth can lead to permanent tooth loss. The longer you wait, the more the tooth will become wiggly and unstable. Moreover, the gum disease or injury that caused the wiggling teeth may become worse. This will make it more difficult to save your tooth. 

3. Spread of infection.

A wiggling tooth can also be a sign of infection in the mouth. If the infection is not addressed, it can spread to other teeth and gums. Infections can lead to severe pain and even affect your overall health. In some cases, this infection can spread to other parts of your body and result in serious health problems.

4. Difficulty in treatment later.

The more you delay, the more difficult it will be to fix the wiggling tooth. You might need more invasive treatments, such as tooth extraction, to get rid of the problem. Therefore, it is advised to avoid ignoring the wiggling teeth and see a dentist immediately.